Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a chronic disorder that often affects children and continues into adulthood. In this article, we shall highlight some important ADHD information, from some crucial ADHD facts to information about ADHD medications and treatments. ADHD is a combination of persistent problems like difficulty in sustaining attention and learning difficulties.
Source: Thinkstock/YanLev
ADHD has three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The first one, predominantly inattentive, is when many symptoms fall under inattention. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive usually occurs with symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsiveness. And finally, combined is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. All of these symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe. Without further ado, here are seven ADHD facts that you should absolutely be familiar with.
- ADHD is Real
One of the ADHD facts is that the disorder is real. Medical, educational, and psychological organizations have all concluded that ADHD is a real, cognitive medical disorder. Many organizations also concluded that people with the disorder must benefit greatly from appropriate ADHD treatments.
- ADHD is a Non-Discriminatory
ADHD disorder affects people regardless of age, gender, IQ, religion, and socio-economic background. In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that boys are diagnosed two to three times as often as girls. ADHD and ADD refer to the same disorder but the only difference is that people with the former have hyperactivity while people with the latter don’t.
- Diagnosing ADHD is a Complex Process
A person must exhibit a large number of symptoms for an ADHD diagnosis to be considered. The patient should also demonstrate major problems with going about their daily life in several areas while having had the symptoms for over six months. The diagnosis is also complicated as many of the symptoms look like extreme forms of normal behavior. What also makes ADHD different from other conditions is that the symptoms are excessive, pervasive, and persistent. In addition to that, a number of other conditions resemble ADHD, and therefore other possible causes of the symptoms should be put into consideration before reaching a diagnosis of ADHD.
- Other Mental Health Conditions Often Occur Along With ADHD
Experts assert that up to 70% of people with ADHD will be treated for depression at one time in their lives. Sleep disorders also affect those with the disorder 3 times as often as those without it.
- ADHD is not Benign
Evaluating, diagnosing, and treating ADHD can improve the quality of life and save thousands of dollars. When ADHD goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can be one of the costliest medical conditions. It can also contribute to problems such as not succeeding, difficulty graduating from schools, relationship problems, and so on.
- ADHD is Nobody’s Fault
ADHD is NOT triggered by moral failure, poor parenting, family problems, food allergies, or excessive sugars. ADHD is a highly genetic and a brain-based disorder. Factors that increase a child’s likelihood of having the disorder are gender, family history as ADHD can run in families, prenatal risks, and environmental toxins such as lead exposure.
- ADHD Treatment is Multifaceted
Currently, available ADHD treatments emphasize on reducing the symptoms of the disorder and improving on functioning in daily life. ADHD Treatments comprise of ADHD medications, various types of psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and educational support to persons with the disorder. The combination of these ADHD treatments usually works wonders.
Featured Image Source: Thinkstock/Carey Hope
Posted on February 15, 2023